PokerStars Casino and Pragmatic Play Partnership
A look back at the 2018 slots deal and what to check today
The PokerStars Casino and Pragmatic Play Deal
In late 2018, Pragmatic Play signed a content deal with PokerStars Casino. Trade press reported the news on 30 September and 1 October 2018. You can read the studio’s own announcement of this exciting new deal.
The agreement gave PokerStars Casino players access to Pragmatic Play’s slots. Reports named Da Vinci’s Treasure, Peking Luck and Madame Destiny as recent releases. They also named Wolf Gold as a classic.
This page looks back at that deal. It also explains who Pragmatic Play and PokerStars Casino are and what to check today before you play.
“We are delighted to have secured a deal with one of the biggest businesses in our industry.” Yossi Barzely, Chief Business Development Officer at Pragmatic Play, 2018.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announced | 30 September to 1 October 2018 (trade press reports) |
| Studio | Pragmatic Play |
| Casino | PokerStars Casino |
| Games named | Da Vinci’s Treasure, Peking Luck, Madame Destiny, Wolf Gold |
| Reach | Described as worldwide, subject to local licensing |
About Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is one of the best-known game studios in the industry. Wolf Gold is a classic from its catalogue. Many casinos feature its slots, and the studio also makes live casino and bingo products.
Our full guide to Pragmatic Play slots and casino games covers its popular titles, features and where to play them.
In 2018, Barzely called the PokerStars partnership one of the most significant in the studio’s history. A deal with a large operator gives a studio a bigger audience. For the casino, it means a wider choice of games.
Why studios sign these deals
Game studios earn when players use their games. A big casino brings a large player base. As a result, studios work hard to win these partnerships.
Operators also gain. Players like variety, and a fresh slot can bring them back. A wider lobby helps a casino compete with others.
About PokerStars Casino
PokerStars began as a poker brand and later added casino games. Its casino side has been known for slots. In 2018, the casino promoted a large slot range, with themed games across film, sport and music.
The UK Gambling Commission register lists the licence holder as Stars Interactive Limited, with a head office in Onchan, Isle of Man. The register shows www.pokerstars.uk as its active domain. The older domain pokerstarscasino.uk shows as inactive.
This matters if you use old links. Our original article linked to its page of 400 online slots on that older domain. Check which site is current before you sign up.
Licensing
A UK licence means the operator must follow the Commission’s rules. These cover fair games and player protection. Our page on the UK Gambling Commission explains what the regulator does. For a wider view, read our guide to online gambling licences.
What Pragmatic Play Slots Offer
Pragmatic Play slots are known for bright graphics and clear features. Many include free spins, multipliers and bonus buy options. Features differ by game and by country.
- Free spins rounds with multipliers.
- Tumble or cascade features in some titles.
- Bonus buy options in some markets, where the rules allow them.
- Progressive jackpots in a few games.
- Mobile-friendly design across the range.
Check the paytable of any slot before you play. It lists the symbols, the bonus rules and the stated return to player. For a sample of the studio’s style, read our reviews of Golden Beauty and Sugar Rush Xmas.
Jackpots and Big Wins
The 2018 version of this article quoted several large jackpots at PokerStars Casino. Those figures were tied to the time of writing, so we do not repeat them as current. Progressive jackpots grow with every bet, so the numbers change all the time.
Big wins do happen. Our story on a Mega Moolah jackpot winner shows how a single spin can change a life. Remember that jackpots are rare, and most sessions end without one.
| Jackpot type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Fixed jackpot | A set top prize that does not grow |
| Local progressive | Grows with bets on one game or casino |
| Network progressive | Grows with bets across many casinos |
RTP and Volatility Explained
Two terms help you choose slots. The first is return to player, or RTP. It shows the share of stakes a slot pays back over a very long time. A slot with a 96% RTP returns an average of 96 units per 100 staked across millions of spins.
The second is volatility. It describes how the wins arrive. Low-volatility slots pay small wins often. High-volatility slots pay less often but can pay bigger amounts.
| Term | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| RTP | The long-term average return of the game |
| Low volatility | Frequent small wins and a steadier balance |
| High volatility | Rare wins that can be larger, with bigger swings |
| Hit frequency | How often a spin pays anything |
RTP is an average, not a promise. Your own session can end far above or below it. The game rules usually show the RTP, and some casinos list it in the game info panel.
How Content Deals Work
A casino can add a studio’s games in two main ways. It can connect directly with the studio. It can also use an aggregator, which supplies games from many studios through one link.
A direct deal can give a casino early access to new releases. It may also allow closer promotion of a studio’s titles. A flagship deal like the 2018 PokerStars agreement usually means the casino expects to feature the studio prominently.
As a player, you do not need to know which route a casino uses. What matters is the game list, the licence and the terms. Use the search box in the lobby to check whether your favourite titles are available.
Tips for Choosing Slots
A few habits help you enjoy slots for longer.
- Try a game in demo mode first, if the casino offers one.
- Start with small stakes until you know the features.
- Match volatility to your budget. Smaller balances suit lower volatility.
- Check the minimum and maximum bet before you start.
- Stop when your set budget runs out.
Remember that every spin is random. No tip, pattern or system changes the result of a spin.
What to Check Before You Play
Casino lobbies change often. A game that appeared in 2018 may not be available today. Use this short checklist.
- Confirm the casino holds a valid licence for your country.
- Search the lobby for the game or studio you want.
- Read the welcome offer and its wagering rules.
- Check the stated return to player inside the game.
- Set a deposit limit before you start.
Our casino bonus terms page explains how to read offers. If you enjoy live tables as well as slots, see our guide to live dealer casino games.
Slots and Variety
The slots market is crowded. New games launch every week, and players have plenty of choice. Free spins offers and new releases pull players between sites.
Operators respond by signing studio deals and refreshing their lobbies. That is why a partnership like this one made news. It shows how casinos compete for attention.
Players can use the same variety to their advantage. Try different studios, compare features and stick to games that match your budget. Our Microgaming guide shows how another major studio built its range.
Mobile Play and Slots
Most players now spin on their phones. Pragmatic Play builds its slots to run in a mobile browser. The screen adapts to portrait or landscape, and buttons are sized for touch.
A few tips make mobile play smoother. Use a stable connection, because a drop mid-round can be frustrating. Keep your phone charged. Check the sound and vibration settings, which can add to the experience or distract you in public.
Our guide to mobile gaming explains what to look for in a mobile casino. It covers browser play, apps and the banking options that work best on a phone.
Staying in control on a phone
A phone is always close. That makes it easy to open a casino lobby without thinking. Turn off gambling notifications when you do not want them. Set a reminder to check your session time.
Play Responsibly
Slots are fast. A spin takes a few seconds, and costs can add up quickly.
- Set a budget before you start and stick to it.
- Use deposit limits and reality checks.
- Take regular breaks.
- Never chase a loss.
Our responsible gambling page lists tools and support. UK licensed casinos also offer self-exclusion. You must be 18 or over to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pragmatic Play partner with PokerStars Casino?
Trade press reported the deal on 30 September and 1 October 2018.
Which Pragmatic Play slots were named?
Reports named Da Vinci’s Treasure, Peking Luck, Madame Destiny and Wolf Gold.
Is PokerStars Casino licensed in the UK?
The Gambling Commission register lists Stars Interactive Limited as the licence holder, with www.pokerstars.uk as an active domain.
Are the old jackpot figures still correct?
No. Progressive jackpots change constantly, so the 2018 figures no longer apply.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 deal brought a well-known studio together with a large operator. It remains a good example of how casinos and studios work together. Today, the key step is to check the current lobby and licence.
Pick a licensed site, read the rules and set your limits before you spin.
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